In the first pregnancy read every book known on the process of reproduction, take care to have a balanced diet and in the second pregnancy don’t have time to read magazines.

All pregnancies are special, but your first tends to get a bit more of the red carpet treatment than any pregnancies that follow. Here are my top 10 differences between a first pregnancy and a second (or any that occur after).

10. The Learning Curve

The first: You read every book known to man about pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, environmental toxins, diet and exercise, etc.

The second: You read People magazine in the spare three minutes you get to yourself each day. Hey, you have to find out what Brad and Angelina are up to somehow. Been there. Read that. Whatever.

9. Diet

The first: You make sure that you eat a perfect, balanced diet while pregnant so the baby will have every advantage from day one.

The second: You eat spare chicken nuggets off your toddler’s plate while cleaning up after dinner and getting ready for bedtime.

8. Diagnosing Mystery Ailments

The first: If any little thing just doesn’t feel right, you call your OBGYN.

The second: If anything short of a limb falling off happens, you say it will be fine and keep on… continue reading

The goal of tax planning is to organize your financial affairs so as to reduce your taxes. There are three basic ideas to reduce your taxes, and each basic method might have some variations. You can reduce your income, increase your deductions, and take advantage of tax credits.

The key to saving money on taxes as an individual tax filer is to have the lowest adjusted gross income possible as this is the amount that is used to determine tax. Since deductions and credits lower taxable income, qualifying for deductions that don’t cost money but also defer or allow money to grow tax free are ideal. Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a significant element in determining your taxes. Lots of other things depend on your AGI such as your tax rate and various tax credits. AGI even affects your financial life outside of taxes: banks, mortgage lenders, and college financial aid programs all routinely ask for your adjusted gross income.

Taxable income is another key element in your overall tax situation. Taxable income is what’s left over after you have reduced your AGI by your deductions and exemptions. Almost each person can take a standard deduction, and some people are able to itemize their deductions. One key tax planning strategy is to keep track of your itemized expenses during the year using a spreadsheet or personal finance program. You can then quickly evaluate your itemized expenses with your standard deduction. You should constantly take the higher of your standard deduction or your itemized deduction.

One of the best and most commonly abused tax credits is the Earned Income Credit (EIC). Contrasting other tax credits, the EIC is credited to your account as a payment. That means the EIC frequently results in a tax refund even if the total tax has been reduced to zero. You may be eligible to claim the earned income credit if you earn less than a certain amount.

The most important key is to have the professional aid from an experienced Georgia tax lawyers to help you though the tax filling process.

It is estimated that 80% of Americans will suffer back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can be caused by strain from work or sports, injury, overweight, pregnancy, or even non-physical causes such as depression. Back pain can be due to muscle, nerve, or skeletal problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor problems from becoming worse/

There are two types of risk factors for back pain. The first type of risk factor may be beyond your control; the other type is controllable.

Risk Factors You Can’t Control

As a general rule, males are higher risk than females. Unless, of course, the woman is pregnant–a baby can increase stress on back muscles. Another risk factor is age. Being middle age or older increases the risk of back pain. A family history of back problems or a previous back injury or back surgery can also increase risk. Congenital spine problems are also a source of problems.

Risk Factors You Can Control

Risk factors in your control include overweight, smoking, and poor posture. The type of work you do can also increase your risk of suffering back pain. Sitting, repetitive activities or heavy lifting can significantly increase risk.

Finally, emotions can play a significant role in back problems. People often tighten their back muscles when they are stressed. Long periods of depression can also lead to back pain.

By being aware of risk factors and paying attention to your body’s warning signs, you may be able to minimize your risk of chronic back pain.

How to Prevent Back Pain

There are a few common-sense tactics you can use to minimize your risk of back pain or recover faster from back injuries.

Both aerobic and anaerobic exercises can improve your general fitness and strength.

Most people feel as if those extra few minutes in the morning that they get to sleep in are the moments in life that are most relaxing. However, waking up early also has its benefits. One of the best benefits of waking up early, is that those who wake up early report that they are better able to sleep at night. Why is this? Simply because they are waking up early, and doing more throughout the day and expending more energy, which means that they are ready for bedtime when it rolls around.

Those who do get up early report that after getting into the hang of getting up early, they are actually able to accomplish more throughout the day and feel that sense of accomplishment at night. They do not have as much to worry about while trying to sleep simply because they were able to get everything done throughout the day that they needed to get done. If you think about your bedtime situation right now, most people feel as if they need to stay up until midnight just to get all the things done that they need to get done. However, why stay up late, when you can wake up early and still accomplish those tasks without feeling groggy and as if you have no energy.

If you find yourself being one of those who has trouble sleeping at night and then tossing and turning throughout the night only to be groggy the next morning, then waking up early may clear up some of your problems. However, do not expect to try it one day and that be it. Waking up early and getting to the benefits of doing so will take a few weeks for your body to get used to it. However, those who have tried it are constantly speaking of the benefits, including the restful sleep that they now get to enjoy to its fullest.